KANGANA SHAKES UP BOLLYWOOD!
As Ranaut hits out at several Bollywood biggies vis-à-vis bullying and nepotism, we talk to filmmakers and other actors to understand the industry dynamics
Referring to Bollywood heavyweights as “movie mafia”, Kangana Ranaut — in an interview with a TV channel — has hit out at several top names such as Karan Johar, Aditya Chopra, Mahesh Bhatt, and Javed Akhtar, among others. The actor, while highlighting the discrimination in the Hindi film industry, spoke about how her career as well as financial prospects were targeted, and that biggies of the industry attempted to corner her.
Ranaut further said that the “movie mafia” had “systematically sabotaged” late Sushant Singh Rajput’s career. She accused Chopra’s Yash Raj Films [YRF] of being responsible for causing mental
harassment to Rajput, and that Johar made Drive (2019) to sabotage the late actor’s career. She also stated that YRF didn’t allow Rajput to work in filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s films, while adding that the ongoing interrogation by Mumbai Police is a “sham”, as they have failed to summon powerful people.
Recounting her struggles, Ranaut, said that she was also threatened by Chopra, Bhatt and even Akhtar had asked her to “apologise” to Hrithik Roshan (after their personal details came out).
Industry insiders, while they accept the existence of aberrations, their views, however, differ. Director Hansal Mehta says, “Groupism exists everywhere. People do tend to form support groups but the problem arises when there is targeting and bullying, which can really hit you badly.” For actor Gulshan Devaiah, in Bollywood, everything eventually boils down to the “perception”. He says: “Here, one actor is perceived to be better suited or perceived on the basis of his market value. And [as an artiste], that can be extremely disappointing.”
While actor Taapsee Pannu agrees that she has had her share of struggles, she “refuses to be bitter”. “I also refuse to take advantage of someone’s death for personal vendetta, and make a mockery of the industry that gave me my identity. I have had my share of struggles but just because I don’t glorify them, and deal with them positively, it doesn’t make me any less of an ‘outsider’,” says Pannu (read Pannu’s response on this page).
Talking of nepotism in film award ceremonies, Ranaut said in the interview that a “mediocre” film like Gully Boy (2019) got awards while Rajputstarrer Chhichhore (2019) was neglected. But filmmaker Tigmanshu Dhulia feels that nepotism exists in “every sphere” of life. He however, insists that “ultimately, one has to prove himself/ herself, regardless of family’s name”.
Citing the all prevalent ‘fear factor’, filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri feels “anybody who speaks up will be isolated” by the Bollywood biggies. Acknowledging Ranaut’s stand, he says, “Kangana has taken a very big risk. They even isolated me when I spoke up.” Model-actor Muzamil Ibrahim sides with Ranaut, and feels the points raised by her are “very valid”. He says, “When a talent comes in the industry, I think the people in the industry should be a little more unbiased.”
Ranaut’s ex-boyfriend and actor Adhyayan Suman, referred to her as “brave” on his social media handles. “Level playing field is all we are fighting for,” said Suman. Commenting on extending support towards Ranaut, the actor says, “Sometimes, it’s important to let go of your past and support someone who is trying to fight for the greater good.”